The perimeter of the Classic Harley‑Davidson building in Bern Township was nearly ringed Saturday by a dog‑friendly mash‑up of craft beer, live music, local vendors and nonstop canine socializing — all aimed at supporting lifesaving care for animals in need.
After more than a half‑dozen years of smaller, traveling versions of the Pints for Pups block‑party fundraiser, Humane Pennsylvania returned the event to its original large‑venue format last year at the Danielle Ruiz‑Murphy Center for Animal Welfare and Dog Park in Exeter Township.
But that site proved too small for the roughly 200 attendees, said Karel Minor, Humane Pennsylvania president and CEO.
When scouting for a new home, organizers didn’t have to look far. Classic Harley‑Davidson had already hosted stops on the mini‑Pints for Pups tour.
Karel Minor, president and CEO of Humane Pennsylvania, organized Pints for Pups at Classic Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The dealership is accustomed to large crowds — its expansive parking lot and outdoor space made it an easy fit, Minor said. The business even supplied tents that kept guests dry during passing showers.
“We’re friends with the folks who work here,” Minor said. “They’re such a good sponsor. They recognize that they’re helping us.”
The event’s roots stretch back more than two decades.
“We started it in 2005 as part of our auction,” Minor said, noting that the organization introduced the concept of a craft beer fundraising festival to Berks County. “It got so big in the third year we split it off.”
That shift proved beneficial: holding more frequent events raised as much money as one large annual festival. But, Minor said, it wasn’t as fun as having everyone together in one place.
Saturday’s three‑hour fundraiser kicked off at noon with cover songs performed under a dedicated tent by the rock band Perfect Strangers.
It drew hundreds of beer lovers, dog lovers and plenty who proudly identified as both. Walk‑up admission was $50 for general admission and $30 for designated drivers; advance online tickets were $40 and $20, and $75 for VIP access.
Every dollar — from tickets to vendor fees — funnels directly into Humane Pennsylvania’s mission to provide shelter, medical care, enrichment and second chances for animals across the region.
Guests filled souvenir pint glasses with brews from Saucony Creek Brewing Co. in Kutztown, Hershey‑based Tröegs Independent Brewing Co., Downingtown‑based Victory Brewing Co. and other regional breweries. Guests could also sample an array of cocktails, as well as cuisine from a nearby food truck.
Than Wright and Terri McCarthy-Wright of Lucky Leprechaun Winery near Lenhartsville support Pints for Pups at Classic Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
At one vendor table under the main tent, Teresa McCarthy‑Wright of Lucky Leprechaun Vineyard & Winery poured samples while her husband, Than Wright, chatted with visitors.
Their family‑owned winery near Lenhartsville launched a decade ago and opened its Hamburg tasting room seven years ago.
McCarthy‑Wright first attended Pints for Pups nearly 20 years ago as a participant. She and her husband also raise seeing‑eye puppies and expect to receive their eighth later this summer.
“Anything that has to do with animals, we always look for those events to support,” she said.
Showing their model Boston terriers Millie and Jake, who appears on the cover of the brochure for Humane Pennsylvania, are David and Lina Myers of Fleetwood during Pints for Pups at Classic Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Among the crowd was Lina Myers of Fleetwood, wearing a T‑shirt that declared, “Life is better with dogs.” Her two Boston terriers, Jake and Millie, trotted happily at her side.
“We try to attend every one,” Myers said. “And we like beer. That helps.”
She and her husband grabbed tacos from a nearby food truck.
Two local couples — Josh and Laura Auman of Douglassville and Jess and Melissa Yourkavitch of Mount Penn — sipped craft beer around a cocktail table. Both families are devoted Golden Retriever owners.
Raising a pint are, from left, Josh and Laura Auman of Douglassville and Jess and Melissa Yourkavitch of Mount Penn during Pints for Pups at Classic Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“We’re all dog people, and we like to support the foundation,” Jess Yourkavitch said. The group returns each year not just for the cause, but for the camaraderie.
Minor said that while beer festivals are everywhere now, Humane Pennsylvania aims to make Pints for Pups, above all, fun for visitors and for the organization’s volunteer staff.
“It’s not a beer thing exclusively,” he said. “It’s fun. You can bring your dog. It’s family‑friendly. I like our bands and our merchandise. Events are great, but if it’s not fun, there’s no point in doing it.”
Crowds sample the brews during Pints for Pups at Classic Harley Davidson on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)